Island in the Sun
Growing up in Jamaica 1948-1954
by Monica Carly
An absorbing account of a young English girl experiencing the joys and facing the challenges of her unique pathway through adolescence, against the backdrop of an island intent on breaking away from their mother country and taking up an independent role in the world.
Paperback book, signed by the author if requested
About The Book
Depicting events that began for her 75 years ago, Monica Carly’s amazing memoir of her teenage years spent in Jamaica makes for an enthralling and educational read. She skillfully blends personal anecdotes – both humorous and sad – with historical background, producing an account full of keen observations and heartfelt reflections.
Carly’s descriptions of Jamaica paint a vivid picture of bygone times on a tropical island where the vibrant colours, glorious food, soaring mountains, idyllic beaches and the wonderful people captured her heart. Nor does she shy away from difficult issues, which range from hurricanes and poverty to the abhorrent practice of slavery that blighted Jamaica’s history. But what shines through this fascinating story is her obvious affection for the people who became her friends and for the way of life she enjoyed on this sunny island until it was necessary for her to leave her family behind and return to England to pursue her career.
Many original photographs, placed throughout the text, reinforce the verbal pictures and contribute to bringing the subject matter to life. This book will stay in your memory long after you have read the last page.
Book Reviews
About the author
At 5 years of age Monica Carly wrote her first ‘book’ and she is still writing 82 years later. Her latest publication recalls the six years she spent in Jamaica as an adolescent and the many adventures she and her family experienced in their new life on this tropical island.
In 1958 she graduated from Bristol University with an honours degree in English, French and Latin and a teaching qualification. Whilst raising a family she took a creative writing course and produced several short stories and some children’s stories.
Her varied working life has included secondary school teaching, lecturing in study skills, mastering graphology and offering handwriting interpretations, learning consumer law and explaining to buyers’ their civil rights and, as part of a motoring organization, helping to rescue stranded motorists.
Monica Carly
